Stunning Hannah | A Halfpenny London bride
Beautiful bride Hannah Banks-Walker married Tom Neville in September last year. The couple placed huge emphasis on making sure their guests were looked after and enjoyed a joyful celebration, full of energy from start to finish.
Working in fashion, Hannah spends her days looking at clothes and has a strong sense of personal style. I was lucky enough to meet Hannah before Tom popped the question and was thrilled when she came to see us again to search for her wedding dress.
“I’d actually seen a Halfpenny creation as I was doing something for work a year before Tom asked me to marry him and had taken a screenshot of it just because I thought it was quite unusual and so pretty. I had absolutely no idea Tom was going to propose when he did – it was a huge shock. I spent a while trawling through pictures of dresses online until I found the very same one I had bookmarked for my work project. It was clearly meant to be!”
I’d already met Kate when I had interviewed her for Grazia and she had shown me her new collection. I instantly loved her – she’s warm, funny, smart and kind and I soon discovered she has cultivated a team with the same traits. Some of my friends who are married told me of quite shocking experiences in bridal boutiques – one asked my friend how much weight she was planning to lose before the wedding! – but I have to say that there’s no place more welcoming than Halfpenny. I just felt totally at ease and didn’t feel under any pressure, either.”
It was so wonderful helping Hannah during her appointment. We had such a great time playing with my range of separates and building the perfect look.
“My dress was actually a skirt and two tops, although you wouldn’t know that from looking at it as it just looks so complete. I have a major thing for sleeves, so as soon as Kate showed me an organza top with puff sleeves embroidered with beautiful appliquéd flowers, I knew I wanted her to make my wedding dress! I wanted something romantic and classic but which felt modern. I wanted to be able to move, hug and dance while still feeling like I’m wearing something utterly amazing.
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t really do casual. I’m always in a dress, normally with some sort of headband and a great pair of shoes. So, I needed a dress that felt special enough without tipping over into Too Much. No mean feat, really! But that’s exactly how I felt when I tried on my dress for the first time. I also love that because it’s a skirt and top, I can re-work those pieces and wear them again. Kate’s views on sustainability here really lined up with my own thoughts – it seems crazy to spend a fortune on a dress you can literally never wear again, regardless of how beautiful it is. My only sadness is that I’m not sure how socially acceptable it will be for me to wear my veil on a daily basis. Not sure Tesco is ready for that…”
Hannah’s final look was so dreamy and she looked incredible! She added a stunning Jane Taylor pearl and Swarovski crystal hairband, sapphire and diamond earrings gifted from her parents and a pendant Tom had had made using a diamond which once belonged to his great grandmother: it was originally part of a ring with two other diamonds, which are now on Hannah’s engagement ring. Such a beautiful touch!
Sending all the love and luck in the world to Hannah and Tom and wishing them a long and blissful marriage. Huge congratulations you two!
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx
CREDITS
Images by Claire Pepper and Caroline Greenwell
Flowers: Lavender Green Flowers
Reception: Brunswick House
Headband: Jane Taylor London
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Make-Up: Madeleine Spencer
Hair: Hollie Rose